What does occiput posterior position mean?

Apr 24, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

Occiput posterior position usually refers to the fetal occiput posterior position, which is a fetal orientation within the uterus. As the fetus develops in the uterus, the uterine cavity is filled with amniotic fluid to support optimal fetal development and movement. Under the influence of the amniotic fluid, the fetus gradually adjusts its position and may even move within the uterus. In general, the occiput posterior position means that the fetal occipital bone is located at the right posterior aspect of the maternal pelvis.

Occiput posterior position usually refers to the fetal occiput posterior position, which is a type of fetal presentation in the uterus. The detailed explanation is as follows:

The fetus develops within the uterus, and to facilitate optimal growth and movement, the uterine cavity is filled with amniotic fluid. Under the influence of this fluid, the fetus gradually adjusts its position and may even move around inside the uterus. In general, occiput posterior position means that the fetal occipital bone is located at the right posterior side of the maternal pelvis. Clinically speaking, the ideal position for vaginal delivery is the occiput anterior position. However, fetal position is not fixed, as the fetus continuously moves within the uterus, allowing an initial occiput posterior position to potentially shift naturally into the favorable occiput anterior position, enabling spontaneous vaginal delivery. Additionally, before delivery, women typically experience uterine contractions, during which the uterus undergoes repeated contractions. These contractions can also cause corresponding changes in fetal position. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to regularly monitor fetal movements near term and undergo appropriate examinations to assess fetal presentation, thus helping determine the mode of delivery.

It is recommended that in late pregnancy, women maintain a relaxed mindset and avoid excessive anxiety, following their doctor's advice to choose the most appropriate delivery method.

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How to rotate from right occiput posterior position to occiput anterior position

Right occiput posterior position can generally be corrected to an occiput anterior position by sleeping on the left side, performing the knee-chest position, and applying external cephalic version. Right occiput posterior position is usually a form of malpresentation. To correct abnormal fetal position before the fetus engages in the pelvis, in addition to the above methods, the occiput posterior position can also be improved by adopting跪姿 (kneeling postures) and standing positions, which can alter the shape of the pelvis and provide space for the fetus to rotate.

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At 37 weeks, can the fetal position change from LOP to LOA?

At 37 weeks, fetal position LOP usually adjusts to LOA. LOP refers to left occiput posterior position, while LOA refers to left occiput anterior position. Both positions are considered normal before labor; however, the occiput posterior position is not the ideal position for passing through the pelvis. During labor, the fetal head gradually descends under the pressure of uterine contractions and typically rotates to the LOA position, or may be manually rotated by an obstetrician.